* Not a rare disease
Other Names for this Disease
- Asymmetry in the pigmentation of the irides
- Pigmentary abnormality of the anterior segment of the eye
See Disclaimer regarding information on this site. Some links on this page may take you to organizations outside of the National Institutes of Health.
Your QuestionI have green eyes with a yellow/brown tint, but one fourth of my right eye is dark brown. I've been wanting to know more about heterochromia iridis: what is it and how rare is it?
We have identified the following information that we hope you find helpful. If you still have questions, please contact us.
Heterochromia iridis is a condition characterized by abnormalities of the iris (the colored part of the eye). In people affected by complete heterochromia, the iris of one eye is a different color than the iris of the other eye. Segmental heterochromia occurs when areas of the same iris are different in color. Most cases of heterochromia iridis occur sporadically and are not associated with any other symptoms or problems. Rarely, heterochromia iridis is part of a congenital (present from birth) syndrome such as Waardenburg syndrome, Sturge-Weber syndrome, Parry-Romberg syndrome, or Horner's syndrome. Treatment for the condition generally targets the underlying cause and/or any associated symptoms (if present).
Last updated: 4/8/2015
Unfortunately, we are unable to find a prevalence estimate for heterochromia iridis.
Last updated: 5/19/2016
- Ur Rehman H. Heterochromia. Canadian Medical Association Journal. 2008; 179:447-448. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18725617. Accessed 8/9/2011.
- Mackey DA, Wilkinson CH, Kearns LS, Hewitt AW. Classification of iris colour: review and refinement of a classification schema. Clin Experiment Ophthalmol. 2011 Jul;39(5):462-71; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=21176045. Accessed 7/5/2013.